Chocolate Cherry Blossoms

Yield: approximately 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry liquid
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 to 4 drops red food coloring
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 48 milk chocolate candy drops or pieces (Chocolate Stars or Hershey's kisses)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, butter, cherry liquid, almond extract and food coloring, blend well.
3. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour and salt; mix well.
4. Stir in cherries.
5. If necessary for easier handling, cover dough with plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookies sheets.
7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.
8. Immediately top each cookie with a candy, then press down firmly. Remove from cookie sheets.